"Colorado is clearly a global leader when it comes to wind, solar and other sources of renewable energy," Hickenlooper said. "We are excited to have TJ Deora join our team as we continue to find ways for the energy industry to grow, create jobs and help boost our state's economy."

Deora, who lives in Denver, recently led Horizon's early-stage project development efforts in the Rockies and worked in Colorado's Kit Carson, Cheyenne and Baca counties. He helped found and served as co-chair of the Colorado Renewables and Conservation Collaborative, a voluntary working group of conservation groups and wind developers writing best practices for siting of wind farms. Deora also served on the boards of the Interwest Energy Alliance, the Colorado Independent Energy Association and Renewable Energy New England.

"Over the past several years Colorado has developed a robust cleantech industry, ranging from R&D to manufacturing and deployment of energy production facilities," Deora said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our state in expanding its leadership role and leveraging our strong human and natural resources to bring more jobs and investment here to the Rockies."

Before joining Horizon, Deora was a consultant with McKinsey & Company's energy practice, based in Washington, D.C., serving utility and industrial clients. He earlier worked for Calpine Corp.'s energy trading group in Houston, analyzing the performance of its fleet of natural gas-fired power plants and guiding trading strategy.

Deora started his career as a engineer for The Dow Chemical Co., working there for seven years in engineering, operations, research and development, and business development roles. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

Deora served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica before joining Dow.